Blue Coat Nabs Former IBM Channel Exec for Top Post

Blue Coat Systems Inc., a provider of network management technology, said it has appointed Martin Borman its president and chief executive, taking the role vacated by Brian NeSmith, who the company named its chief product officer, effective September 1, 2010.

Borman, who most recently served in a similar capacity at Avocent Corp., a maker of switching systems, will also be named to Blue Coat's board of directors, officials said.

NeSmith, who held Blue Coat's top executive position since 1999 when he took the company public, will be tasked with product strategy, direction and development, and will report to Borman. He will retain his seat on the company's board.

Dave Hanna, Blue Coat's chairman, said that Borman is a "proven executive with an impressive track record of leading technology companies to their next level."

NeSmith said that the executive changes will "allow me to work more closely with our product teams as we create the next generation of cutting edge solutions making networks faster and more secure."

He said that Borman "has the right combination of experience and business acumen to lead Blue Coat."

Prior to his post at Avocent, Borman spent 30 years at IBM Corp., where he served as vice president, worldwide sales, IBM software, and general manager, global business partners.

Borman is said to have a comprehensive understanding of the channel.

"Blue Coat has an enviable customer base, a strong product portfolio, and an excellent reputation for technology innovation," Borman said.